I have made it somewhat of a tradition to build some radical work in the December month, so this year it should be no exception. After building the black 1:17 PF driven Peterbilt with dumptrailer I thought that it would be cool to build a customized dumptruck in 1:13 big scale, as I had also never constructed a big scale dumper before.

Browsing the web and some magazines and books I noticed that some really wild customized dumptrucks actually do exist. You cannot imagine driving your polished beauty in the dirt all day, but some do, and these babies are cleaned for a week before they enter a show. After some inspiring hours I knew exactly what to build: a retro stylish Peterbilt in 70’s look with uncommon colors and chromed out. I ended up designing it a bit Cadillac style, hence the name ‘Eldorado’, after the famous Cadillac type.

The building routine has been as usual, but once more I tried to improve the level of detail. The chassis is color matched and features airride suspension, constructed with small Lego tyres to serve as the main parts, which looks really accurate. The engine is fully chromed, and has a detailed gearbox to it. Underneath the chassis there are many many lights to illuminate the underside of the truck. The front suspension and brakes are chromed too, and during Lego shows I will put it on display with a special replicated jig, to display it with one wheel of to show all the detail when the hood is opened.

The cabin I made more triangular now. I have had some appreciated comments on that in the past, and as the cabin house also gets wider on the real trucks I have implemented this now too. The bodywork was quite a challenge picking unusual Lego colors, as many parts were hard to find. The interior is as custom as it needs to be with trimmed seats special dash and chromed steering wheel.

The rear part of the chassis has 3 axles, where the first one can be lifted and has only one tire for extra support.
This area is also detailed with chromed tanks, differentials and stacks. The dumpbox itself is hinged at the rear, and can be lifted. The rear plate is fully chromed. The part that I like most myself is the cover for the load that works like a rolling curtain. This is fully functional.

All in all a very nice truck to have worked on. To me another step forward in detailing. I hope you like it too!

Thnx a lot for all the nice comments.
This one can steer, but i only use it for photographic purposes. Normally i lock it, for stability as it is quite heavy. This is a static showtruck that I will use for Lego shows in 2011, 'playability' is not that important in this one.
The chromed parts are standard rims and 2x2 dishes. I have these chromed myself.

You are the Brick Marster detail is unreal and all those crome bits wow (where did u get the crome hubs for the tyres?)You should sell instructions for these beauties.How do you deal with the front steering?